THE gloom surrounding the Melbourne property market didn’t seem to register with bidders on the four properties renovated and auctioned on the Nine Network’s reality show The Block, with the contestants netting $1.84 million in prizemoney.

The program’s four South Melbourne terrace houses were auctioned on Saturday – and broadcast in the show’s finale last night – and collectively sold for $5.8m, in a dramatic reversal from last year when three of the four properties failed to sell under the hammer.

Separate auctions were hosted for each of the houses on Dorcas Street, with the four couples taking home the profit when the sale price exceeded the reserve.

But unlike last year’s show, when the public flocked to open auctions at Fitzroy’s Town Hall, this year each auction was closed to the public.

Top honours were claimed by Hunter Valley couple Brad Cranfield and Lara Welham, whose Dorcas Street renovation sold for $1.62m, netting them a $506,000 profit and smashing the show’s previous record prize of $205,000.

About Global Property

Global Property has been helping buyers, sellers and landlords in Lake Macquarie & Newcastle since 2002. We offer a totally independent brand, high profile marketing and leading edge technology. A local business with community ties, and a strong track record of results, your home is in safe hands with Global.